cognitive function

Protecting memory and thinking skills doesn't require expensive solutions. Harvard neurologist Dr. Scott McGinnis highlights that regular moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, can increase brain volume and indirectly boost cognitive function by improving mood and sleep. Consistency is key, with benefits appearing after about six months of aiming for 150 minutes weekly.

A long-term study has found that visceral fat, not just overall body weight, is closely linked to brain aging and cognitive performance. It also suggests that waist size and blood sugar may matter more than BMI alone

Pregnancy and childbirth trigger significant physiological, psychological, and emotional transformations in women, often leading to "mommy brain" characterized by forgetfulness and mental fog. Scientific studies reveal neural recalibration, not decline, as the brain adapts to caregiving demands. This experience, while common, requires understanding and support for new mothers navigating identity shifts and cognitive loads.

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Doctors emphasize that sustained focus goes beyond caffeine, highlighting the power of natural daily habits. Prioritizing sleep, hydration, movement, and mindful breaks can significantly enhance concentration and mental clarity without the side effects of stimulants. Simple routines like morning sunlight and short work pauses are key to a sharper mind.

Creatine, frequently associated with gym enthusiasts, extends its perks beyond simply bulking up muscle. It plays a pivotal role in energy production and may offer supportive effects for neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease and mental health issues such as depression. Produced naturally in the body, it's crucial for both intense workouts and brain function.

About 91% centres run from rented spaces, over half barely in 25-50 square yards, and 22% in even smaller areas

Experts advise parents to consider a child's maturity, not just age, before giving them a first phone. Starting with basic devices and gradually introducing smartphones with monitoring tools is recommended. Open communication about online safety and responsible usage is crucial. Parents should also model healthy screen time habits. This approach helps children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Oura's smart ring now tracks hormonal health for women with new features. Hormonal Birth Control support helps monitor effects on sleep and temperature, while Menopause Insights offers personalized symptom assessment. These tools aim to provide women with deeper understanding and data for informed health discussions with clinicians.

Concerns about children being left-handed stem from myths, not science. Experts confirm handedness is linked to brain lateralization, with no evidence of disadvantage for lefties. Forcing a switch can hinder development. Instead, parents should provide appropriate tools and foster natural development, ensuring left-handed children thrive.

A Harvard Medical School study revealed an advanced AI system, OpenAI o1, outperformed human doctors in certain emergency diagnoses. The AI achieved higher accuracy in interpreting written patient records and excelled in treatment planning, highlighting its potential as a supportive tool in high-pressure medical scenarios.

AI is reshaping the software industry by creating a 'great decoupling' where code's value soars while coding itself becomes cheaper. Former Cognizant CEO Francisco D'Souza highlights this paradox, urging firms to adopt new commercial models and rethink workforce roles. This shift promises long-term growth despite initial disruptions.

Every conflict leaves behind more than tactical outcomes; it generates a blueprint for future preparedness. Operation Sindoor, when examined through a structural and doctrinal lens, reveals a decisive shift in how India must think about air power, attrition, industrial capacity, and integrated warfare. Its most enduring lessons lie not in what was achieved, but in what must now be built.

Steve Jobs did not think differently by birth. His unique approach was built through philosophy, discipline, and experience. He focused on first principles and cross-disciplinary thinking. Jobs embraced Zen for simplicity, challenging limits, and viewing products as integrated systems. This method transformed technology into an experience, a lesson anyone can learn.

Cold floors in modern homes, often due to concrete slab foundations, lead to significant heat loss, particularly at the edges. This 'ground-coupled heat loss' impacts comfort and can even affect cognitive function. Simple solutions like edge insulation and strategic rug placement can drastically improve warmth and energy efficiency, making winter more comfortable.

Wearing black to work signals competence and authority, influencing perceptions and boosting confidence through "enclothed cognition." However, consistent black attire may also indicate a need for emotional protection, with research linking it to anxiety and a desire to "hide" from the world, potentially keeping the nervous system in a state of alert.

Corporate offices often prioritize superficial perks over employee well-being, leading to health issues. Neglecting ergonomic chairs, poor air quality, and lack of natural elements significantly impacts productivity and health. Investing in these fundamental environmental factors, alongside accessible water, offers substantial returns in employee health and output, far exceeding trendy amenities.

St Vincent's Care Toowoomba launches the St Vincent's Express in March 2026. This initiative allows elderly residents to virtually travel across continents. Using high-definition screens and immersive sound, the experience simulates journeys through ten countries. Residents enjoy region-inspired refreshments and AI-guided narration.

New research highlights vitamin D's surprising role in brain health. Studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may connect to early changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. These changes can begin years before symptoms appear. Maintaining adequate vitamin D could be a simple preventive step for long-term cognitive health.